Remembering Richard C. “Dick” Bell, FASLA , FAAR (1928-2020)
Written by Chuck Flink, FASLA
Richard Chevalier “Dick” Bell passed away on March 16, 2020 at the home of his beloved daughter Sharon Bell Glazener. Dick was 91 years old. He is widely regarded as one of the fathers of landscape architecture in North Carolina. Born in Manteo, Dick graduated from North Carolina State University’s School of Design in 1950; the first class of graduating students under the legendary Henry Kamphoefner. In 1951, Dick was awarded the Prix de Rome, the youngest recipient of the Prize at that time. He served a brief apprenticeship with Simons and Simons Landscape Architects in Pittsburgh, PA. After his apprenticeship, he spent two years traveling Europe, and later became a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome.
In 1954, Dick became a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects. In 1955, he co-founded the firm Godwin and Bell Landscape Architects in partnership with James B. Godwin. Many years later Dick team with his son-in-law Dennis Glazener to form Bell Glazener Design. Dick’s work left an enduring legacy of successful public and private landscapes, including Raleigh’s famed Pullen Park, the amphitheater at Meredith College, the Brickyard at NC State University and the North Carolina Legislative Building grounds. One of Dick’s masterpiece landscapes, the Water Garden, where he lived and worked for many years, was lost to development many years ago. Through his practice, Dick helped introduce modernism in landscape architecture across the southeastern United States. He also nurtured, educated and cultivated a new generation of landscape architects.
Dick Bell completed more than 2,000 works of landscape architecture, and was the recipient of awards from 27 national organizations. He became a Fellow in the American Society of Landscape Architects in 1980, was the first recipient of the North Carolina Chapter of ASLA Distinguished Professional Achievement Award, and was a 2008 inductee in the Raleigh Hall of Fame. Dick was awarded the prestigious ASLA Medal in 2014, the highest professional award bestowed by the Society.
Dick was a brilliant designer, taskmaster, skilled artist, teacher, pioneer and successful businessman. He possessed tremendous vision, was hard charging, dedicated to the needs of his clients, and a mentor to many who practice the profession today. Dick’s edict was “to leave a little beauty behind wherever I go”. Dick did so much more than that. He shaped the profession of landscape architecture and leaves behind a legacy of work that includes landscapes that are enjoyed by tens of thousands each and every day. He will be missed, but we are eternally grateful for his personal and professional contributions. Rest in Peace.
